The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has defended as legal the treason charge against minors arrested in connection with the 10-day nationwide #EndBadGovernance protestes.
Fagbemi stated this on Thursday during the commissioning of a new office complex built by an Abuja-based law firm, the Law Corridor.
Recall that Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Tuesday, struck out the case against 119 persons arrested during the protests, after the AGF withdrew the charges against them.
The protesters which included 32 minors were mostly arrested in Abuja, Kano and Kaduna, between August 1 to 10.
Speaking on the case, the AGF said Nigeria’s law does not forbid trial of minors, adding that releasing them was on compassionate grounds.
He said, “No law in this country says a minor cannot be tried, and I have also heard suggestions that they should go to a family court.
“The study of the law and the constitution leaves you no other conclusion than that the federal high court has jurisdiction in matters bordering on treason and related issues.
“So, whatever the situation, the president has closed the chapter by his decision to have these young men released.
“The president was very compassionate; he is a father and a grandfather. If you look at the facts in the possession of the security agency, you would marvel.
“But the president said, despite all this, ‘I have children and grandchildren,’ and that motivated his passion to release them and also enable them in some ways.
“So the credit goes to him (the President) for showing compassionate consideration in releasing the young chaps,” the AGF added.
Fagbemi charged young lawyers to embrace partnerships and collaboration as a partway towards success, in the legal profession and commmeded the law firm for their great feat.
He said, “When seasoned practitioners partner with younger lawyers, the next generation of practitioners learns from their experiences.
“In return, younger lawyers bring fresh perspectives in adaptability, driving the profession to knee innovations.
“Another good aspect of the partnership is sustainability and resilience to create more room for accountability and to support networks where challenges can be faced collectively to meet clients’ expectations.
“Collaboration enhances good relationships, which is a cornerstone of the law profession, as clients seek not expertise but a team that understands their needs to receive comprehensive services,” the AGF added.
The Law Corridor has Mr. Pelumi Olajengbesi as its managing partner, Mr. Henry Kelechukwu Eni-Otu as the lead partner and Ganiyu Ajibola Bello as the deputy managing partner.
The event attracted various dignitaries including, the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and many more.